Harbaugh says Iupati ‘as good as ever’; asks about Boise State pass-rusher

Less than four months after he sustained a broken left ankle in the NFC Championship Game, 49ers left guard Mike Iupati is participating in practice and “looks as good as ever,” Jim Harbaugh said this afternoon on ESPN 730-AM Boise.

“He’s great,” Harbaugh said. “He’s healthy. He was out practicing on the field today. He’s recuperated from his ankle surgery and looks as good as ever.”

At this stage of the offseason, the 49ers can’t wear helmets or participate in offense vs. defense drills, meaning Iupati is not taking part in grueling practices. Still, Harbaugh’s medical update is encouraging news for the 49ers. On April 25, general manager Trent Baalke only said the two-time Pro Bowler was doing well but his return to the field was “still up in the air.”

“He’ll be back at some point,” Baalke said. “How soon? That’ll be up for the medical staff to clear. He’s out of the boot. He’s walking. He’s doing well.”

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The radio hosts asked Harbaugh about Iuapti because of the guard’s ties to the state: Iupati attended the University of Idaho.

Earlier, Harbaugh asked the hosts about Boise State defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, a possible late first-round pick who had a pre-draft visit with the 49ers, who have the No. 30 selection.

“Tell me about Demarcus Lawrence,” Harbaugh said, laughing. “… I want to get something out of this call.”

Lawrence (6-3, 251), one of the draft’s premier pass-rushers, comes with character concerns after he was suspended three times in college. Harbaugh was given a glowing review of Lawrence, who is projected to play outside linebacker in the NFL.

“I think you’re exactly right,” Harbaugh said. “Outside linebacker, someone that can really rush the passer. They like him there, and we met him here. We had him in for a visit. He’s a real likable young man. Nothing but positive things coming out of there about him. So that’s good.”

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Harbaugh appeared on ESPN Boise because of his relationship with Michael Christianson, who works at the station. Christianson was an assistant under Harbaugh at the University of San Diego and with the 49ers.